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Exploring Birżebbuġa through soundscapes
No full textThis research investigates the residents’ perceptions of soundscapes in Birżebbuġa, a Maltese town marked by diverse acoustic environments. Noise pollution, particularly from the Malta Freeport terminals, is a frequent concern among locals. Using Robert Murray Schafer's concept of soundscapes, this study aims to explore how these soundscapes influence the residents' sense of place. Sounds were recorded in 12 distinct areas of Birżebbuġa, followed by a focus group discussion with eight residents to capture their reactions. The audio elicitation method revealed various emotional responses including nostalgia, frustration, and serenity. Key findings indicate that residential soundscapes, such as church bells (a soundmark), foster a sense of community and belonging. Natural soundscapes like those of Tal-Mara Cliffs (a keynote sound) evoke tranquillity, despite concerns over environmental degradation. In contrast, industrial sounds from the Freeport (a signal sound) and overpassing aeroplanes are sources of annoyance, disrupting daily activities. The study highlights that while the soundscapes of the locality centre evoke positive emotions and nostalgia, natural soundscapes strengthen residents' connection to their locality. Industrial soundscapes, however, predominantly cause irritation. Despite these issues, residents express a strong sense of place and reluctance to move away, often citing their bond with the sea and community. Future research could explore the evolution of these soundscapes over time and compare Birżebbuġa's acoustic environment with other Maltese localities to better understand regional variations and resident perceptions.peer-reviewe
“To thine own self be true” : a mystagogical journey through liturgical experience in shaping the Christian identity of youth
No full textIn the pursuit of an authentic Christian experience, particularly among young
people, it is essential to focus on reconfiguring what constitutes a true Christian identity.
This entails a deep immersion in the lived experience of faith, with particular emphasis
on the liturgical encounter, along with the signs and symbols employed in the experience.
In the face of innumerable challenges partly precipitated by contemporary society and
culture, such an engagement can foster a genuine experience of Christian life, encouraging
young people to embrace authenticity while maintaining a focus on core beliefs and identity
markers as they are lived and experienced. Consequently, the liturgical experience enhances
the mystagogical journey, allowing young people to reflect on their identity as active
participants in the faith. This intentional focus enables them to perceive faith as a true and
defining marker of their identity as Christians.peer-reviewe
A novel hybrid inverter drive for AC motors capable of bypassing the voltage source inverter when operating at grid frequency
No full textVariable speed drives (VSDs) offer reduced
power consumption for applications which allow
operation at reduced motor speed. However,
when continuous operation at the grid frequency
is required, the VSD may become redundant, as it
introduces conversion losses and electromagnetic
interference (EMI), in contrast to grid-connected
operation. It is hereby proposed to bypass the
VSD for continuous operation at the grid
frequency. This paper introduces a VSD, based on
a two-level voltage source inverter (VSI), capable
of transferring a motor load between grid- and
inverter-connected operations, depending on the
required motor speed. This paper presents a
thorough analysis of the conditions under which
the motor load may be transitioned from either
operating mode. Thyristors are used as bypass
devices. Simulation results for open and semiclosed
transitions are presented, examining their
impacts on the motor torque and stator currents.peer-reviewe
Designing gamified connected tools for bilingual language therapy and education
No full textThis research contributes to the growing field of technology-enhanced learning by
demonstrating how gamification and connected technologies can address gaps in
bilingual education and language therapy. It investigates the design, development,
and evaluation of Olly’s Adventures: The City of Two Languages, a novel, gamified
language intervention tool for bilingual Maltese-English-speaking children aged
five to eight. The tool merges a physical board game with a companion mobile
application, creating an engaging phygital experience that supports language
acquisition across clinical, educational, and home settings. Developed by a
multidisciplinary team, the tool was iteratively refined through a user-experience driven process involving speech and language pathologists, caregivers, educators,
design engineers, and children. Mixed-methods data were gathered via focus
groups, observations, surveys, and a case study. Findings highlight the tool’s
potential to foster language development and increase motivation, with users
reporting high levels of engagement, satisfaction, and relevance. Despite limitations
related to sample size and the need for clinical validation, the study demonstrates
the promise of user-centered connected tools in delivering inclusive, motivating,
and linguistically responsive interventions.peer-reviewe
The impact of internet tools on building an organization's e-image : a case study
No full textPURPOSE: The aim of this article is to examine the impact of Internet tools and AI-based
solutions on shaping the e-image of an organization. In particular, their role in supporting
agile enterprise management was analyzed.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article uses a qualitative approach based on the
analysis of the subject literature and a case study of LPP SA. The study was conducted using
the desk research method using secondary data from industry reports, company sources and
scientific publications.FINDINGS: The results of the analysis indicate that the integration of e-marketing tools,
mobile technologies and artificial intelligence contributes to strengthening the e-image and
increases the effectiveness of communication with the customer. A positive impact of these
tools on increasing operational flexibility and efficiency of decision-making in the
organization was also identified.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research results can be a basis for designing a digital
transformation strategy focused on building lasting relationships with customers and
developing an organizational culture based on the principles of agility. Practical
recommendations can be used by managers interested in implementing digital tools in a way
that is consistent with the strategic goals of the organization.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article brings cognitive value by linking issues from the field of emarketing, e-image building and agile management, which is a perspective rarely
undertaken in the literature to date. The study also provides a specific example of digital tool
implementations in market practice, increasing its application usefulness.peer-reviewe
The prevalence of amblyopia and associated factors in older adults in The Malta Eye Study
No full textTo assess amblyopia-related visual impairment in older Maltese adults and describe age-related
trends in prevalence. The Malta Eye Study, a population-based, cross-sectional study, assessed a
random stratified sample of adults aged 50–80 years. The examination involved a visual acuity test,
autorefraction, slit-lamp examination, and a questionnaire related to demographics, ocular history,
and the national eye institute visual function questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the visually impaired
and amblyopic participants was performed, and associations with demographic and clinical variables
were explored using stepwise multivariate logistic regression. Among 1794 participants aged 50 to 80
years, the prevalence of amblyopia-related visual impairment was 5.0% (95% CI 4.1–6.1%). The highest
rates were observed in males, individuals aged 60–69 years, those with primary-level education,
residents of the South-Eastern district, and individuals engaged in domestic work. When compared
to individuals without visual impairment, only age 60–69 remained significantly associated in the
final regression model (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.2–4.1; =0.014). Anisometropia was the presumed cause of
amblyopia in 50.6% of cases. Vision-related quality of life was mildly reduced in amblyopic individuals
compared to non-visually impaired individuals. Amblyopia remains a cause of visual impairment
among older adults in Malta, particularly those aged 60+years, highlighting the irreversible visual and
functional life-long impact of undetected childhood amblyopia and the need for early vision screening.peer-reviewe
The impact of digitalization on banks' capital : a case study of Poland
No full textPURPOSE: Over the past decade, the banking sector has undergone significant changes due to
the impact of digitalization. The digital revolution has changed both the way banks interact
with their customers and the very operation model. Digitalization is becoming a key factor
determining the competitiveness and stability of banking institutions. Technological
transformations are fundamentally changing conventionally approaches to financial
management in banks, opening up new opportunities to improve their efficiency. The purpose
of this article is to study the impact of digitalization on bank capital drawing on the example
of Polish banks.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The OLS (Ordinary Least Squares Method) method was
used to build an econometric model of the impact of e-banking development indicators of
bank capital. Three synthetic indicators characterizing the development of e-banking in
Poland were used. The first indicator reflects the number of Internet banking clients, the
second – the intensity of using e-banking services, and the third – the cost of e-banking
transactions. The data of the National Bank of Poland and the Polish Bank Association for
2012-2023 was used.FINDINGS: The intensity of service use and the value of transactions indicate that the effective
use of online banking channels is crucial for improving the capital position of banks. Banks
investing in the development of digital tools and encourage customers to actively use online
banking can increase their equity. Banks should focus on increasing the activity of existing
customers and the value of transactions rather than solely on attracting new users.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical implications of the study is to help increase the
competitiveness of banking institutions and create innovative approaches to bank capital
management, taking into account the impact of digitalization.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The results confirm the positive impact of the development of Internet
banking on the increase of bank capital. It is also proved that the growth of banks' capital is
related to the quality and intensity of the use of online banking services rather than to their
quantity.peer-reviewe
Does multilingualism hold the golden key to acquiring the Maltese language?
No full textSeveral studies have highlighted the cognitive and social benefits of multilingualism, including its positive impact on individuals, communities, and societies. This study examines the acquisition of Maltese in a multilingual context, focusing on individuals proficient in multiple languages. Forty-eight adult students at the pre-intermediate level participated in various language tasks. The findings revealed that the 35 multilingual participants outperformed the 13 monolinguals. Due to the crosslinguistic influence between Arabic and Maltese, as well as Italian and Maltese, both Arabic and Italian speakers demonstrated advantages in certain tasks while encountering challenges in others. The study emphasises the cognitive benefits of multilingualism in learning Maltese. It explores strategies employed by multilinguals, such as language transfer, cognitive flexibility, awareness of language interference, exposure to authentic resources, engagement in language communities, metalinguistic awareness, and translanguaging. These findings not only highlight the significance of multilingualism in acquiring Maltese but also offer insights into learning other linguistically distant languages in diverse multilingual contexts.peer-reviewe
Selected issues of the use of unmanned work platforms in the prison service with a view to internal security and human resources
No full textPURPOSE: This article provides a brief overview of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),
including military ones, used by uniformed services: the Border Guard and the Police, with
particular emphasis on the prison service.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A conceptual architecture for a system using unmanned
work platforms in prison services is presented, with reference to internal security and
staffing capabilities using drone technology. An example prison security scheme is proposed,
along with integration and control modules.FINDINGS: Selected technical and logistical aspects of the use of these platforms by national
uniformed services are discussed.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article highlights the potential for specific applications of this
technology in the prison system and analyzes selected effects of such applications, taking into
account systemic and economic aspects.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: An innovative system for protecting prison infrastructure is proposed.
The system's structure is open, user-friendly, and cost-effective to implement and maintain."This research was funded by the Military University of Technology, grant number
UGB 531-000008-W100-22-W112000/WAT/2025, and the APC was funded by the Ministry
of Science and Higher Education of Poland".peer-reviewe
Evaluating the ICT C3 curriculum in Maltese schools : teacher perspectives
No full textThis study explores the implementation of the ICT C3 curriculum within Maltese schools, focusing on teacher perspectives across state, church, and independent sectors. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was gathered through questionnaires and focus group discussions, involving 112 ICT teachers. The research assesses teacher confidence, curriculum delivery, and resource adequacy, alongside challenges related to student engagement and assessment practices. Findings reveal that while educators generally feel confident in delivering the curriculum, gaps in infrastructure, professional development, and differentiated content persist. Significant concerns include the complexity of certain topics for younger students, the misalignment between the curriculum and real-world applications, and the need for improved resources, particularly in non-state schools. Additionally, the study highlights the need for clearer distinctions between ICT C3 and related subjects such as Computing and VET IT. Teachers advocate for curriculum refinement, increased professional development, and greater teacher involvement in curriculum design. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance teaching effectiveness and student preparedness in the evolving digital landscape, emphasising the importance of ongoing curriculum updates, targeted professional training, and improved resource allocation to meet the needs of both students and educators.peer-reviewe